Left oriental at sunrise. West wind, headed into Adams Creek. Beautiful homes along wide channel. then channel narrowed with current picking up against us as we travelled. currrent max at core creek bridge. Standing waves.People fishing along the channel.
Entered wide area crossing Newport River and into Beaufort inlet. I was very confused about the entrance to Beaufort.Guide book very confusing. We slowed to review path together and got it figured out.
Did well following the markers but once under the bridge, aqua maps showed us heading to a bridge that was no loner there. we were very confused but found our way to the Beaufort waterfront and David did an excellent job docking into another tight slip. Dockhands were available for assistance.
Showered and went ashore. Walked around the old town looking at historic homes and old trees, cedar and live oak. Went to the old burial ground with many unmarked graves and bricks and shells over gravesites to protect from high water. Stones had to be imported. One section of the graveyard was for children with tiny stones and graves marking lost sons and daughters, so common, so sad. Also a fair number of wives, possibly childbirth, though not mentioned. Huge live oaks shade the burial site and have likely witnessed the tragedies of over a hundred years.
Ran into Mike and Carla from Let’s Sea. We heard someone yelling “Josie” from across the street. They were at the Beaufort Creamery and we quickly weakened and succumbed to a scoop of the coffee ice cream which was billed as “caffeinated” and delicious. We talked for awhile. They are planning to go outside to Wrightsville tomorrow.
After seeing them to their dinghy ( they anchored in the harbor which would have been totally doable despite what the guidebook says) , we went out to dinner at Mezcalito which luckily was right across the street from our marina. The food was excellent as were the medium margaritas. Home for books and bed. I am still on Goldfinch, David got a kindle book about people sailing in a storm.
